Rex

I've been afraid to say ANYthing about our (fall Fodorites') trip (to Italy); it's been a roller-coaster of moodswings, up and down, wanting to be "defiant", struggling to be confident. <BR> <BR>But at this writing, at least six of seven of us are going! and it could yet become unanimous - - the only cancellation is from someone who was supposed to fly ahead of us (Friday, September 14 - - to spend some time with parents already in England - - and now THEY want to get home as soon as possible). Getting arefund may not be si difficult for her as trying to get a re-BOOKING to come join us without FIRST going to England (where she no longer has any interest, nor abyone to go join there). <BR> <BR>So, off we go (Wednesday) - - into the wild blue yonder!! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Maira

We decided to postpone and flights.com (formerly TISS.com) have been more than understanding. My Mom wasn't comfortable, my sister was not all for it. As a DoD employee, my leave is up in the air anyway, so I decided there has to be a better time to do this.

Jean

I just wanted to say Coleen's reply stroke a note w/me. I'm trying to decide whether to postpone a trip in mid-Oct. and liked your Thanksgiving dinner analogy and also your thought that the people who are no longer w/us might want us to go and live our life. I live and work in Washinton, D.C. and feel rather sad and also feel I may not want to be out of the country if anything happens.

andi

After much deliberation I have decided not to go to Italy in two weeks. I too liked Colleen's Thanksgiving analogy. As a single parent, I could not put my kids through what they'd have to endure if I got stuck in Europe. So, I'm happily headed for a hiking trip in Virginia instead. To which I will take a train. It's the right decision for me and once made, I haven't looked back.

Book Chick

My cousin & I are scheduled to leave for Paris in 4 weeks. We've been planning this trip for over a year now, have both had a tough year: one or the other of my parents has been hospitalized 3 times so far this year, & one parent underwent surgery the day after his 84th birthday, and my cousin had an accident, shattered her patella, had surgery & extensive physical therapy & undergone some radical changes within her workplace, but has stayed in remission from her ovarian cancer. We figure if we've been able to survive 2001 so far, we're probably going to be able to survive anything. <BR>Here's hoping....... <BR>BC

Desmond

We just canceled our 1 month European vacation. It just does not feel right for us to be out of the USA right now. There is so much to see and do right here in the Beautiful States. And we also have Canada right next door. Our International vacations will be put on hold for now.

dawn

Like I said in another post, my husband and I are going to Italy in October. Even if a war breaks out, as long as the airplane will take us, we'll be on it. If we do go to war, it's going to be a different war than we have witnessed in the past. <BR> <BR>I don't understand why I should put my life on hold. If we are able to travel, why can't we go? Maybe I'm naive, or dumb, but I am confident that our trip will be fine.

Annette

I was scheduled to fly out on the 13th. My flight was cancelled that day and the next and I was unable to meet the week long bike/barge tour in the Netherlands which I had booked - without cancellation insurance. I'm now waiting for the verdict from the Dutch company, Cycletours: refund, credit or forfeit. <BR> <BR>Refund: Have to think about that one, but I'd be inclined to plan a non-bike October trip. Don't think this scenerio will occur. <BR> <BR>Credit: Wait until better cycle weather in Spring. Hoping to be able to ride through the Tulip fields. <BR> <BR>Forfeit: Be philosophical. <BR> <BR>I'm planning on going to London for two weeks in February with my family, at any rate, staying in RCI timeshares. <BR> <BR>Thrya, your post was so sensible. Don't be judgemental of other's travel choices. <BR> <BR>In some ways I like the idea of being with non-Americans during an upcoming vacation, because I believe this is a global event. The Germans lost around 500 at the WTC and the British lost well over 100. We are in this together. I also like the idea of patronizing the airlines during the Fall. <BR> <BR>I was very glad to spend this weekend with my husband, however, and to attend Friday and Saturday in Seattle, attending gatherings at our Westlake Center and Seattle Center with other citizens.

steve

My wife and I are supposed to go to Italy on Sat. Sept 22. Right now she's scared. She knows the risks are low and that this is probably as safe a time as ever in the future, but that doesn't change the way she feels. I still want to go, and hope her comfort level will improve soon. We're going for her 40th birthday. <BR> I still remember once being at Disneyland and seeing a father yelling at his child "You should be having fun! It's your birthday. Stop crying and enjoy yourself- You're at Disneyland." <BR> I may have to suck it up big time and cancel. It doesn't matter how wonderful a place you are visiting if you aren't having fun. <BR> Hats off to all of you out there who will still be travelling and who realize that the only thing worse than dying is not living at all.

Susan

I have plans to leave for London/Ireland in the middle of October. I will meet my daughter there who left about 2 weeks ago to study. The excitement has diminished, but I feel I must go and support her.( and give her the biggest hug ever) She's homesick and states it is so odd to be out of the country when your own country is going through such a difficult time. I will go unless our govt. deems it unsafe. I am torn, but I too feel that if I sit this out, I am letting them rob me one more time. They have taken so much from us already.....We all need to make this decison based on our own circumstances, convictions and faith. If you have a peace one way or the other, than it is the right decision for you.

Sherryl

Well, I've been planning it for many months and I've asked a hundred questions that you all have so kindly answered. As long as Delta is flying to Italy on Thursday - I'll be on my way ... <BR> <BR>Rex - I'm so glad that you've got at least 5 of 6 going! <BR> <BR>To all the rest - thanks for all your help - and for those who will be travelling, have a very safe trip. <BR> <BR>Sherryl

Lisa

We have decided as a family to go to Italy in november, for my 40th birthday and my sons graduation. I asked my kids if they still wanted to go (18 years and 14 years) and they said of course with no hesitation. They are aware and informed, especially the older one. We never really had a major discussion as everyone just felt the trip was still on. I would end up being disapointed in myself if I stayed and gave in to my fear. I want to live, travel, and see what I only dreamed I would see one day. With the grace of God, and the protection of our blessed mother we will see Italy and take in all its beauty. I wish everyone a safe trip, staying or going, your all in my prayers.

bill

4 of us are scheduled to fly to Italy in October but are still undeceided...primarily because of our concern of not being able to get back to the US if attacks begin overseas we might get stranded...any thoughts ? <BR>Also...what if ATM machines go out....?

Peter

We're going 9/23--Germany, Alsace, Provence, Tuscany,Umbria, Switzerland--eat & drink or die!!! No major cities, country side and villages, wine caves, farms,etc.

Chrissy

For several months now we have been planning a trip to Italy and France in late October. This is our first major vacation since 1998. We are still planning to go, though the decision was not made lightly and will not be final until we board the plane. We're using flyer miles and I believe we can use them for another flight within a year in the future if we decide not to go now. I assume I just hold onto my tickets and don't need to officially cancel? I also assume I can reschedule for any location? Frankly, these are the least of my worries right now. I am so sad and just trying to do my job each day.

bridget

I started crying again halfway through reading the postings. I will be getting married in three weeks(Oct.6) and we are scheduled to fly to Italy Oct 7th. My fiancee would rather not go at all, but he never wanted to go in the first place. He says it's up to me now, he'll do what I want. This was supposed to be a happy time but I cannot stop thinking of the people who will never have any happy times again. I'm not asking for any advice on whether to go or not since I feel it is an entirely personal opinion but I guess I needed to vent to other people who understand. Thanks

Shanna

A promise made to my failing father was to visit the town his ancester emigrated from. It's been rescheduled twice, now scheduled for 10/22. Any later than that and it will be winter in Germany - much later than that and Daddy may not be around. I will have worked for two months without a day off closing this organization's financial year. When told that HQ might want me around the week I plan to be gone, I responded that they would have held me hostage long enough - I was leaving. I guess that says it for the terrorists too - I'm scared, but they can't hold me hostage, either. I have promises to keep. But, like some others, I have no children. Children, I think, would change everything.

Beth Anderson

I for one, am planning on making a trip somewhere over Thanksgiving. Maybe London, maybe Amsterdam, maybe back to Paris. dunno. <BR> <BR>we are no more or less safe than we were before this horrible tragedy. We just are more aware, now. and maybe that actually makes the skies a little safer now. <BR> <BR>I refuse to let a tiny group of people I don't even know dictate how I will live my life. (now, it might be smarter for me to stay put and actually SAVE money instead of spending it like a drunken sailor or something...) <BR> <BR>Beth

Pam

Dan, it looks like you have a dilemma. <BR>I would think of my child first, after all the attacks were on people in the air as well as on the ground. And I think the perpetrators really aren't thinking about whether a person will still enjoy a vacation in Europe and that they have "won" if they don't! I don't think you will be letting them "win" if you stay in the US for awhile.

Lin gitterman

Went to a book review the other night and the reviewer quoted Elie Wiesel - (to paraphrase)"if we stop living and laughing, we allow the beast to win". We have decided that we will still go to Italy on Oct 1st.